69novels Chapter 28 Does this even need training?
Chapter 28 Does this even need training?
In later NBA games, most people believed that mid-range shots taken from a step away from the three-point line were the least efficient way to score.
Why do we think this way? Because the NBA of that era emphasized efficient and concise offense.
The shooting percentage of mid-range shots from a step inside the three-point line is about the same as that of three-point shots; in terms of efficiency, mid-range shots are actually less efficient than three-point shots. Moreover, the defensive pressure is much greater when you get inside the three-point line, and the players' agility and rotation speed are incomparable to those of players in the 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century.
However, in Wang Kai's era, teams stockpiled big men in the paint, and the rotation speed of other players was not that fast, but the individual defensive ability of the players was better than in later generations.
After getting inside the three-point line through a screen or a drive, and given that it's difficult for the big man to come out and help defend immediately, taking a shot one step inside the three-point line is actually a pretty good choice.
Under Kobe's guidance, Wang Kai's mid-range shot has become very consistent. Kobe also understands the defensive characteristics of teams in this era, so Wang Kai chose to shoot from this position when facing the Jazz.
Wang Kai scored eight consecutive points, stabilizing the Warriors' offense, while the Jazz continued their pick-and-roll tactics.
As the game entered a stalemate, Wang Kai attracted the defense with the ball and then assisted Chris Taft under the basket.
The Jazz didn't encounter too many problems on offense, at most they just had to attack around Wang Kai, but they were under a lot of pressure on defense.
Wang Kai's playing style at this time was ahead of its time. He had excellent individual skills, could control the ball, shoot, and drive to the basket to disrupt the defense.
Although Lao Ke was forced to change his plans many times during the process of training Wang Kai, he also enabled Wang Kai to acquire many skills.
At the end of the first quarter, the Warriors, playing at home, led the Jazz 24-30 by 6 points.
After the start of the second quarter, Wang Kai continued to play, but he was forced to relinquish possession of the ball, and the team's starting point guard, Fisher, returned to the court.
Returning to the small forward position, Wang Kai began to exert himself on defense, constantly helping to defend the basket and forcing the Jazz to shift their offensive focus to the perimeter.
Throughout the game, Coach Ke constantly helped Wang Kai adapt to the changing pace of the match, adjusting his defensive strategy based on the opponent's lineup.
At this point, the Jazz had a height advantage in the paint, but only Matt Harpring as a scoring option on the perimeter, and his shooting was inconsistent.
Therefore, Wang Kai believed that the Jazz would definitely focus on the inside in the second quarter, so he frequently double-teamed the Jazz's inside players, causing the Jazz's offense to be interrupted.
During the offensive play, although Wang Kai didn't handle the ball much anymore, his three-point threat remained. After receiving a pass from his teammate, he would slightly raise his hand, and the Jazz's defenders would have to close in.
After breaking through by changing the rhythm, Wang Kai had many more options.
In basketball, defense is often passive; only truly strong defensive teams can create an impenetrable defense.
In today's environment where every team has tall interior players, a high-performing power forward who excels on both offense and defense is especially important.
Look at the Spurs; after acquiring Duncan, they have consistently been a top team in the league.
Coach Jerry Sloan has been searching for his own new Malone or new Duncan since Malone left, but he hasn't found one yet.
Therefore, Wang Kai performed with ease against the Jazz team, which lacked a highly mobile power forward.
With his ability to drive, shoot, and assist teammates, Wang Kai's performance prompted Jerry Sloan, sitting on the away team's bench, to glance at his fellow home team player.
"Does someone like this even need coaching? A little more and he'd be a top star in the league. Looks like this guy who's doing well in the NCAA is an idiot."
Jerry Sloan made a silent criticism of his colleague.
Midway through the second quarter, all of the Jazz's starters returned to the court, and Montgomery substituted in the Warriors' starters, while Wang Kai was taken off the court.
出场了11分多的王凯在这段时间里极为高效地拿下了13分、2板、4助攻，另外还有1次抢断和1次失误。
As soon as Wang Kai left the court, the Warriors' defense collapsed. Okur hit two consecutive three-pointers to close the gap, and Giriceko made a layup and drew a foul, giving the Jazz the lead.
Wang Kai sat on the bench without any urgency, knowing that he shouldn't be the one in a hurry at this moment.
Montgomery stood on the sidelines shouting incessantly, but without Baron Davis, the Warriors were just a bunch of unmotivated, uninspiring players wasting time.
At halftime, the Warriors, who led by 6 points at the end of the first quarter, trailed the Jazz by 6 points.
During halftime, Montgomery once again plunged the locker room atmosphere into a slump; he seemed to have a knack for making everyone unhappy.
After the start of the third quarter, Wang Kai remained on the bench.
"It seems the Warriors' management isn't putting as much pressure on Montgomery as I thought. You'll only be able to play during transition periods. Make the most of your opportunities and prove yourself."
The Warriors were clearly at a disadvantage on the court. Only Jason Richardson's strong physical attacks on the inside to draw fouls kept the Warriors from falling too far behind. However, when Wang Kai entered the game with four minutes left in the third quarter, the Warriors were still down by 11 points.
After Wang Kai entered the game, the Warriors' substitutes immediately gave up possession of the ball. They didn't want to suffer any longer. The Jazz were very aggressive on defense, which was a characteristic of their style. In every game, the Jazz's defense seemed to be challenging the referees' bottom line. By constantly probing, the Jazz always managed to gain an advantage in the game.
After Wang Kai entered the game, he began to attack with the ball. The Jazz chose to double-team him early to limit his passing lanes.
But Wang Kai is no ordinary rookie; he's got special abilities. How could he let the Jazz's bench players completely double-team him?
Wang Kai used his luck to dodge and weave, and the agility he displayed was supermodel-like for his height.
Just as players of today can hardly imagine that in the future there will be a 2.24-meter tall player who can dribble between his legs and then shoot a three-pointer from beyond the three-point line, players of the future can hardly imagine how clumsy players are now.
A tendency to favor the past over the present is a common human trait. With the development of the times, the agility of future players will definitely surpass that of players in this era.
Wang Kai, on the other hand, grew up under Kobe's tutelage. He hadn't yet developed any muscle mass, so his agility was beyond the Jazz players' expectations.
The Jazz's double-teams were always a step too late, and Wang Kai always managed to break through the Jazz's defense before the double-teams could be formed.